Green day: 
If you’re looking for a spot to check out on St. Patrick’s Day weekend (which is quickly approaching), look no further than the free column at SAVOR with Andrew (which has plenty of news in addition to what’s here).
—Winner time: The official winners of AIDS Foundation Chicago’s World of Chocolate, held Feb. 27 at Artifact Events, have been revealed. They were:
- Best in Sweet – Katherine Anne Confections, “Chocolate Truffles”
- Best in Savory – Swissôtel Chicago, “Gorgonzola Gateaux”
- Best in Libation – Chef Enrique Cortés with 4 Armas Mezcal, “Mezcal Sampling with Dates”
- Best Small Business – Al’s Cookie Mixx, “Brown Butter Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Cookie”
- Best Large Business – Hotel Chocolat, “Signature Velvetized Drinking Chocolate”
- People’s Choice – Chef Blāque & Steel City Bakery, “Roots and Threads” (The chocolate hearts filled with sweet-potato puree were my choice as well.)
—Now open: Fatback has now opened in the Loop, at 176 W. Wacker Dr.—and it’s a combination deli/butcher/market.
The approximately 1,200-square-foot spot is the first collaboration involving Lillie’s Q and Roux founder Charlie McKenna and Chicago hospitality veterans Greg Mohr and Scott Weiner, co-owners of The Fifty/50 Group. The market features a curation of McKenna’s kitchen staples, ranging from premium pastas and the full Lillie’s Q lineup to housemade Fatback deli items and goods from local artisans. A media preview provided a chance for me to sample some of the delectable wares that ranged from assorted sandwiches (with the Italian sub being a can’t-miss) to flavored water to My Dear Friends wine.
—On ice : Chef Paul Kahan and James Beard Award-winning One Off Hospitality (the team behind The Publican, Big Star, avec and others) has officially teamed with the Chicago Blackhawks to open two reimagined signature dining spots—Rocky’s Table & Tap and Raise the Cup Café—at the Blackhawks Ice Center, the newly re-branded expansion of the former Fifth Third Arena at 1801 W. Jackson Blvd.
Anchored by Rocky’s iconic fried chicken bucket, guests can also enjoy smashburgers, hearty sandwiches, pizza and other reimagined game day staples. Raise the Cup features Publican-quality pastries—such as croissants, chocolate morning buns and seasonal muffins—alongside fresh-made sandwiches like the egg, bacon and aged cheddar, grilled cheese and chicken Caesar wrap.
A media preview allowed journalists, television crew members and influencers to enjoy the samples (including dynamic smashburgers, chicken tenders, salads and chili-cheese hot dogs) while a tour of USG Arena/Blackhawks Ice Center revealed the many enjoyable aspects of the venue, including a lounge, second-floor patio (that will soon be open to the public) and an archive that includes a hockey-stick display marking a century of Blackhawks history.
—Tzuco’s taco: Upscale Mexican restaurant Tzuco is unveiling something it’s never had before: a taco.
And it sounds pretty special. Inspired by his travels to Mexico City, Chef Carlos Gaytan has created a ribeye taco with green and morita salsa, molcajete-marinated grilled onions and a Chihuahua cheese crust, served on a handmade corn tortilla.
—Taste the rainbow: Throughout March, Lake View spot Cesar’s Killer Margaritas will be donating $1 from every slice of its Rainbow Cake sold to Cradles to Crayons.
Cradles to Crayons provides children from birth through age 12, living in homeless or low-income situations, with the essential items they need to thrive at home, school and play. The organization supplies these items free of charge by engaging and connecting communities.
—Spice world: With Lent officially underway, Buona has brought back its classic pepper-and-egg sandwich.
Now available every Friday through April 3 (Good Friday), Buona is once again serving its take on this deeply rooted Italian-American Lenten tradition, including some add-on options. These include an Italian sausage add-on option for those observing Lent differently, and a protein bowl.
—PIgging out: The Purple Pig—the Mediterranean-inspired restaurant known for its shareable cuisine, creative cocktails and curated wine selections—will open its second location in Oak Brook on Monday, March 9.
Located in an 11,700-square-foot space in Oak Brook Center, the restaurant is owned by Marianna Bannos, Tom Shubalis, James Beard Award winner/Michelin-starred chef Tony Mantuano, and wine and hospitality pro Cathy Mantuano.
—Northern territory: The Andersonville Chamber of Commerce (ACC) announced the return of Andersonville Restaurant Weeks—a two-week celebration of the neighborhood’s diverse and dynamic dining scene on March 15-29, with local eateries offering $30, $45 and $60 prix fixe menus.
Sixteen spots will participate, with some including Big Jones, Fiya, Lady Gregory’s, Uvae Kitchen & Wine Bar, Replay Andersonville, Bar Roma and the Swedish American Museum. Prices vary by location; for a full listing of menu items, visit the Andersonville Restaurant Weeks page.
ANDERSONVILLE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
The write stuff: Be sure to read and subscribe to my other Substack—Pop-Eds: My thoughts on pop culture. (Like SAVOR, it’s less than $5/month to access everything.) My newest column discusses Illinois’ possible social-media tax, alpine divorces and my top five George Michael songs, among many other topics.
—”Six” appeal: Also on that weekend, Chicago Dance Crash—known for its fusion of street dance, concert dance and physical theater—will remount its 2025 sold-out production of LXIV (six.four) on March 14-15 in the Ann Barzel Theater at Visceral Dance Center, 3121 N. Rockwell St.
The production’s titular work, “LXIV (six.four),” anchors the first half of the program and features an original, ensemble-driven work curated by Artistic Director KC Bevis and Rehearsal Director Phillip Wood. In Act II, James Morrow’s “Immortal Games” dives into the strategic brilliance of chess and the intensity of dance battles.
Until next time…